Rudy Ruettiger game-worn Notre Dame gear sold for $241,500 at auction

Notre Dame legend Rudy Reuttiger played in just one game for the storied college, yet his story has been inspirational to many as one of perseverance, courage and the process of following one’s dream. Heck, if you were a child of the 1990s and loved sports, you likely watched the movie “Rudy” about a gajillion times.

He wanted to play football for Notre Dame in the worst way, had to scratch and claw to just be accepted as part of the team’s practice squad and ultimately needed head coach Ara Parseghian to step down to finally get his chance to play in a game.

Dan Devine was the head coach after Parseghian and allowed Ruettiger, all 5-foot-6 — 165 pounds of him — to dress up and play. Ruettiger recorded a sack in the final game of his senior season and was carried off the field by his teammates following the game.

With all that in mind, it’s not surprising to learn that Rudy’s helmet and jersey fetched a tremendous price at auction. According to the Associated Press, his helmet and jersey sold for a combined price of $241,500 at auction, with the helmet going for a little more than half the price.

On a side note, it’s remarkable how little padding and legitimate protection was available to the players of that era, especially in light of concussion information that is becoming available in this day and age.